redearslider.com

Hi guys. I'm new here. A few years ago a friend who works for a local vet needed to find a home for two res. At the time I agreed to take them, I was told they were coming with everything I needed. Wrong. Since taking them on, one of them has almost doubled in size. I think the tank I was provided is about 50 gallon. I know that is not nearly large enough. I was given no filter. So I started with a cheapo filter designed for a fish that hung on the side. Then I switched to the zoo med 511 which did really well for about a year I would say. The last few months with it have been a hassle. My water turned green and the pressure flow has all but given out. This morning I lost one of the rubber seals in an attempt to clean the hoses thinking they may be clogged. It's really a piece of junk IMO. Now I am on a journey to find a better filter until I can manage a bigger aquarium. At this time the water level is pretty close to the top so that they can access the ramp to their basking area. I really can't spend much more than about $50 at this time. I've been scouring ebay and amazing hoping to find a high-end filter in excellent used condition but I'm reaching out for some advice. I love my turtles. They are my favorite pet. They do require much more maintenance than I anticipated

Green water is more an algae problem than just a filter issue. For an off brand filter @ $50, look at Odyssea CFS 500 Canister Filter http://www.aquatraders.com/Aquarium-Can ... /42044.htm It has some issues, so I'd research it a little first.

You can also get a hang-on-tank filter, like a Marineland Pro Bio-Wheel. Not as versatile as a canister, but still a good filter.

The Penn Plax cascade seems to have better reviews than that.... And I can find it fairly cheap on eBay

A lot of people on a budget use SunSun filters. They also have some issues but they are affordable. Penn plax filters are ok. I'd shy away from filstar.

I ordered the sunsun Hw303B

Have to let us know how you like it when you get it hooked up.

I'm excited about the UV aspect of it. No more green water, I hope

I think UV kills the good bacteria though

But there will be good bacteria inside the canister. However, the bulb will need regular replacement.

It came yesterday. It took me some time to figure out how to put it together because the directions were clearly done with google translate After some frustration I figured out the best way to set it up. I did a 85% water change (I tried my best) and the water was fairly clear yesterday. Today it's a little greener and a little murky. It's still 10x better than it was before. However, I'm open to affordable remedies. Right now I'm feeding them Zoo Med...Maintenance Formula. I don't have anything in the aquarium but my two res, the filter, a heater and the basking area on top. Hopefully that helps.

I just ordered TetraPond Barley & Peat Extract. I'm hoping it will help some.

What's the Barley & Peat Extract supposed to do?

Keep the water clear. Rid of algae

I also have a huge 40ish gallon tupperware container I think I'm going to start feeding them in. I put the food in the basking area but they just retrieve it and dive into the water to consume. Most everything I've read says the key to keeping the water clear is feeding them in a separate container. All food particles will be contained and the RES poop almost immediately after they eat. I'm hoping feeding them this way will help me keep a happy home for them. Next on the list will be a bigger aquarium.

Turtles can't swallow food without water so make sure there is enough water in the container for them. Not sure about the poop theory mine poop when they want to not right after I feed them.